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Lidl Cyprus Drives National Growth Through Its Sixth Socioeconomic Impact Assessment

Robust Economic Contribution

Lidl Cyprus has released its sixth socioeconomic impact assessment, underscoring its dedicated role in propelling the Cypriot economy through responsible entrepreneurship. The comprehensive study confirms the company’s substantial contribution, with an impressive total of €133 million added to Cyprus’ GDP, accounting for 0.43 per cent of the nation’s economic output. Furthermore, for every €1 invested by Lidl Cyprus, an additional €0.46 in value is generated across the wider economy.

Job Creation and Employment Impact

The report highlights Lidl Cyprus’ critical role in supporting local employment by directly, indirectly, and induced creating 2,000 jobs. This impact represents 0.40 per cent of the national workforce, with the company’s operations multiplying job opportunities by supporting an extra two jobs in the broader economic ecosystem for every role created.

Driving Public Revenue and Economic Synergies

Lidl Cyprus has also significantly bolstered public finances, contributing €22 million in taxes and social security contributions. Remarkably, for every €1 funneled into public revenues, its activities generate an additional €2.69 throughout the economy. This fiscal synergy underscores Lidl Cyprus’ strategic integration into the national economic framework.

Empowering Local Suppliers and Promoting Exports

The assessment showcases strong support for local producers, with collaborations involving over 400 Cypriot suppliers. Through its expansive international network, Cork products, including halloumi, have seen a remarkable boost in global reach, with direct exports totaling €28.8 million to 27 countries during 2024. Notably, €26 million of this export value is attributed to halloumi, emphasizing its vital role in Cyprus’ agri-food industry.

Sustainable Sourcing and Community Investments

Lidl Cyprus’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices and community-focused initiatives. The company sources 100 per cent of its fresh chicken, pork, and beef from local producers, incorporates more than 260 dairy and cheese product codes from 13 local suppliers, and procures over 130 fruit and vegetable product codes domestically. As a result, 57 per cent of the store’s grocery turnover is derived from Cypriot production. In addition, Lidl Cyprus has allocated €589,700 to sponsorships, donations, and targeted environmental and social initiatives, directly investing €564,600 in actions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A Long-Term Vision for Inclusive Growth

Guided by a long-term vision of sustainable and inclusive growth, Lidl Cyprus remains steadfast in its commitment to creating value across the entire Cypriot society. The assessment not only serves as a testament to the company’s economic contributions but also highlights its broader impact on employment, public revenue, and community empowerment, reinforcing its standing as a key driver of Cyprus’ development.

Cyprus Clears €6 Million AI Initiative To Give Local Businesses Free Advisory Support

Cyprus has cleared a €6 million artificial intelligence initiative aimed at helping businesses, public sector bodies and researchers access advanced AI infrastructure after the project received approval under European Union state aid rules.

State Aid Approval

State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou ruled on July 17 that the funding scheme for the Cyprus AI Factory Antenna Pharos-CY complies with EU state aid rules, clearing the way for its implementation.

The programme will be managed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.

Support For Businesses And Researchers

Small and medium-sized enterprises will be the main beneficiaries of the programme. Large companies, semi-government organisations and government departments may also receive support under EU de minimis rules or through measures that do not constitute state aid.

Pharos-CY aims to support the development and adoption of artificial intelligence applications in areas including healthcare, sustainability, culture and language.

Access To AI Infrastructure

Working with Greece’s AI Factory Pharos and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, the initiative will provide start-ups, SMEs, public sector organisations and researchers with access to AI tools, curated datasets and high-performance computing resources, including the Daedalus supercomputer.

The programme will also offer advisory services, secure data environments and specialised AI tools tailored to Cyprus’ priorities.

€6 Million Budget

The project has a budget of €6 million, with €3 million funded by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and the remaining €3 million provided through Horizon Europe.

The programme will run until March 31, 2029. It was approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2025 and will take effect once the agreement between the Deputy Ministry and AI Factory Antenna Pharos-CY is signed.

Michaelidou said the scheme is compatible with Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014, specifically Article 28 governing innovation aid for SMEs.

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